Protecting Family Values
I believe my values are shared with most Mississippians. As a Southern Baptist, I am a strong supporter of Christian family values. I do not support gay marriage and believe in the traditional definition of marriage.
Wicker Presides Over National Prayer Breakfast
63rd Annual Event Celebrates Faith and Fellowship
February 9, 2015
Each year, the National Prayer Breakfast is one of the most memorable events in our nation’s capital. Drawing thousands of people from across the country and all over the world, it is a moment for giving thanks and celebrating God’s glory in our lives.
On February 5, I had the honor of serving as co-chairman of this year’s National Prayer Breakfast. I presided with my colleague Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), who has served with me over the past two years as co-chairman of the Senate Prayer Breakfast.
The National Prayer Breakfast is an extension of the prayer breakfasts that meet each week in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Like these smaller gatherings, it encourages people of different backgrounds, political ideologies, and faith traditions to come together in the spirit of religious fellowship.
I was pleased to welcome several Mississippians to take part, including Miss Mississippi Jasmine Murray, who performed “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The popular Lane Chapel Quintet from Tupelo was also on hand to provide entertainment at one of the widely attended National Prayer Breakfast dinners.
Darrell Waltrip Offers Keynote Address
More than 3,600 people gathered for the 2015 National Prayer Breakfast, including the President, who participates every year. Every U.S. president, in fact, has attended the event since the breakfast began in 1953. The program of hymns, prayers, and Scripture readings also includes a keynote address from a guest speaker.
This year’s keynote was delivered by legendary NASCAR driver Darrell Waltrip, who spoke from the heart about his own journey of faith and the constant spiritual encouragement of his wife, Stevie. Although he joked he was not running for political office, he said, “I am running to something. The Lord is a strong tower. The righteous will run to it and be safe.”
Ebola Survivor Prays for World Leaders
In many ways, the National Prayer Breakfast underscores this message, calling on God to watch over all of his children. In his prayer for world leaders, Dr. Kent Brantly, one of the Ebola fighters who survived the disease, offered these words: “Bless the leaders of the nations, Father, that they might act justly, and love mercy, and walk humbly with you.”
Such blessings are certainly needed in times of great challenge. Today’s airwaves are dominated by news reports of terrorists committing violent acts and persecuting religious minorities for what they believe. The outpouring of goodwill and tolerance at the National Prayer Breakfast reaffirms the solidarity of faith that exists in the face of great evil. The United States has always stood for religious liberty and should continue to do so, particularly in light of recent events in Europe and the Middle East.
We are blessed to live in a country that upholds every citizen’s freedom to pray and worship as he or she chooses. Events like the National Prayer Breakfast would not be possible in many parts of the world. I am thankful for my experience in helping plan this year’s inspirational event. As Scripture says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Wicker Addresses National Prayer Breakfast
February 5, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today presided as co-chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast. The annual gathering in Washington, D.C. included foreign dignitaries, members of Congress, faith leaders, and Americans from all walks of life. The president and other special guests addressed approximately 3,600 attendees.
Wicker to Serve as Co-Chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast
February 4, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., along with Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., will preside as co-chairman of the National Prayer Breakfast. The annual gathering in Washington, D.C. includes foreign dignitaries, members of Congress, faith leaders, and Americans from all walks of life. The president and other special guests will address approximately 3,600 attendees. The event will take place tomorrow, February 5, 2015.
“Each year, this event is one of the most special and memorable in Washington, and I am honored to be a part of it,” Wicker said. “Since 1953, the National Prayer Breakfast has exemplified and celebrated the power of prayer and fellowship in our lives.”
Wicker has served as co-chairman of the weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast with Sen. Casey over the past year.
The event will be streamed live on www.c-span.org and broadcast live on C-SPAN2 beginning at 7 a.m. CT.
Wicker Supports Bill to Give Workers More Choices
Miss. Senator Cosponsors the ‘Working Families Flexibility Act’
January 23, 2015
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has cosponsored a bill that would allow American workers the choice of receiving either traditional overtime pay or paid time off for any overtime hours worked. The legislation was introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
“Working men and women are busier than ever balancing professional and family obligations,” said Wicker. “Congress should do its part to make sure government regulations are not making their lives more difficult. I commend Leader McConnell and Senator Lee for their work on this issue and urge my colleagues to support this sensible, pro-family legislation.”
The measure, S. 233, would eliminate an outdated regulation to give private-sector employees the same choices that federal government employees already enjoy.
Wicker Points to Bipartisan Accomplishments in Lead-Up to New Congress
As Republicans Prepare to Take Control, a Lesson in What Worked in 2014
December 29, 2014
The 113th Congress ended the year and its term with a couple of important victories, many of which were long overdue. The “National Defense Authorization Act” (NDAA), for example, provides an outline of America’s military priorities and national security interests. Its recent passage marked 53 consecutive years of bipartisan cooperation on America’s major defense policy.
Like many of my colleagues, I am hopeful that the new Congress will find ways to work across party lines in pursuit of more legislative achievements like NDAA. This term often fell short of that goal, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) used procedural tactics to prevent regular order and debate. There were, however, exceptions to the frequent gridlock, and these accomplishments serve as an appropriate starting point for moving forward.
Legislative highlights of 2014 include:
- A long-awaited upgrade for America’s ports and waterways. In May, Congress passed the final version of the “Water Resources Development Act,” a comprehensive bill to ensure navigable waterways and modernized ports. The legislation, which had not been reauthorized in seven years, is a big win for Mississippi, supporting improvements to our state’s water infrastructure as well as restoration projects along the Gulf Coast. It also increases the funding available for maintenance dredging, which is urgently needed at ports across the country.
- Important reforms to veteran care. Following reports of widespread misconduct at VA hospitals across the country, Congress passed legislation to improve veterans’ quality of care and restore accountability. The new law allows veterans to seek medical care outside the VA system if they cannot get an appointment within 30 days or if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility. It also empowers the VA Secretary to demote or fire employees for wrongdoing or poor performance.
- Support for a highly skilled and competitive U.S. workforce. With 9 million Americans unemployed, job training and education programs are critical to matching employers’ needs with skilled workers. Congress enacted the “Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act” with this in mind, reauthorizing effective “one-stop” career assistance centers across the nation. The legislation also eliminates ineffective or duplicative federal job training programs, streamlining the system and reducing government waste.
- A stronger fight against muscular dystrophy. As the author of the original “MD CARE Act” in 2001, I was thrilled when the “MD CARE Act Amendments of 2014” became law in September. The legislation, which I introduced with Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), builds on the progress we have made by allowing researchers to focus on multiple forms of muscular dystrophy. It also removes restrictions on pediatric research, enabling medical professionals to address the needs and challenges of older patients.
- More stability for America’s farmers. Mississippi is home to more than 42,000 farms, supporting an industry that remains the state’s largest job creator and a massive part of our local economy. The new “Farm Bill,” officially titled the “Agricultural Act of 2014,” will help our farmers and ranchers stay competitive by providing certainty about the nation’s agriculture policy over the next five years. It also makes sensible reforms to the food stamp program, cutting government spending by billions of dollars.
The 114th Congress has an opportunity to build on these successes and learn from past mistakes. After years of political brinkmanship, Americans expect responsible governing from their elected officials. With the economy still weak and national priorities in need of constructive solutions, the coming year needs to be one of action.
Wicker: Mississippi Earns Second-Highest Spot in List of Most Charitable States
New Year Promises More Collaboration in Service Initiatives
December 22, 2014
The Christmas season is a wonderful time to help families in need. In fact, a large portion of charitable giving in America occurs during the month of December. Holiday programs throughout the country provide unique opportunities for Americans to share the gift of Christmas with others. Each year, my staff in Washington delivers toys and clothes as part of the Elf Program with Horton’s Kids, a mentoring organization for underprivileged children in the D.C. area. Our state team also collects gifts for children in Mississippi through Toys for Tots.
We can be proud of Mississippi’s enduring reputation for generosity – around the holidays and throughout the year. In October, a new report by the Chronicle of Philanthropy found that our state again has one of the highest rates of charitable giving in the nation, second only to Utah. The study, which compared IRS data from 2006 to 2012, also showed that lower-income Americans give at higher rates than those with the biggest paychecks.
‘Give, and It Shall Be Given Unto You’
In Mississippi, where disasters like Hurricane Katrina and severe tornadoes have devastated communities in recent years, the importance of giving is witnessed firsthand. Mississippians understand why kindness matters because we are grateful for the efforts of others in our times of need. Since Katrina, for example, more than 1 million volunteers have lent their time and energy to help our state. Mississippians have done their part, too, serving more than 27 million volunteer hours over the past 20 years.
Most of us in Mississippi realize that the benefits of service are twofold, helping both those who receive and those who give. That message is found in Luke 6:38 where Jesus reminds us, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” Shakespeare wrote in “The Merchant of Venice” that mercy “is twice bless’d. It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.” Indeed, research shows that volunteers reap tangible rewards from their service. Volunteering is associated with a 27 percent increase in securing employment.
Mississippi Group Launches New Model for Service
Now Mississippi is poised to expand the value of volunteering, civic engagement, charitable donations, and the work of nonprofit organizations. A new initiative called Engage Mississippi will be launched next year to foster collaboration within our communities, ensuring that charitable investments and volunteer efforts are maximized. Spearheaded by Volunteer Mississippi and the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits, this innovative alliance plans to create an economic model that helps nonprofits, businesses, churches, and universities target the best use of their resources. Communities are strengthened when businesses and organizations work together.
Engage Mississippi will change the ways that various groups can give back, organizing outreach to promote a collective impact. Traditionally, groups have served independently, helping their neighbors but not fully achieving the widespread gains that a coordinated effort could accomplish. By involving multiple stakeholders, Engage Mississippi seeks to find long-term solutions to our state’s most critical issues. The alliance will provide an essential conduit for serving beyond this season of giving.
I hope the holidays are a special time for you and your family. Charles Dickens summed it best in his famous “Christmas Carol” after Scrooge realizes the significance of compassion and charity. He proclaims, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” In many ways, this is our calling, too.
Wicker, Brown Call on State Dept. to Protect Syrian, Iraqi Religious Minorities
December 16, 2014
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, today led a bipartisan effort calling on Secretary of State John Kerry to assist religious minorities facing persecution in Syria and Iraq, such as Christians and Yazidis, to find refuge in the United States. The Senators also urged the State Department to provide these minorities with better access to U.S. humanitarian aid.
“The oppression of Christians and other religious minorities in Syria and Iraq has led to an unspeakable humanitarian crisis,” Wicker said. “Tens of thousands have had to flee their homes to seek sanctuary from the Islamic State – whose savage treatment of these people is well-documented. The United States has historically protected minorities facing similar circumstances. We should do so again now.”
“We have an obligation to stand up for human rights,” Brown said. “The U.S. has pledged humanitarian assistance for relief in Iraq and Syria, and that should include refugee assistance for persecuted religious minorities facing persecution.”
The Senators’ letter specifically calls for “the creation of a Priority 2 (P-2) group under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for religious minorities from Iraq and Syria.”
This new classification would provide a process for Christians, Alawites, Druze, Yazidis, and others to be considered for resettlement in the United States. In the past, this designation has been used for groups of humanitarian concern, including religious minorities from the former Soviet Union, Cuba, and Iran.
Wicker and Brown were joined in their letter by Senators Dan Coats, R-Ind., Carl Levin, D-Mich., James Inhofe, R-Okla., John Thune, R-S.D., Marco Rubio, R-Fla., Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and Mark Kirk, R-Ill.
The full text of the letter:
December 16, 2014
The Honorable John F. Kerry
Secretary of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520
Dear Secretary Kerry,
We write to encourage you to take expeditious action to protect Christians and other vulnerable religious minorities from the unprecedented level of violence in Iraq and Syria.
The creation of a Priority 2 (P-2) group under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for religious minorities from Iraq and Syria would provide a structured process for Christians, Alawites, Druze, Yazidis, and others to be considered for resettlement in the United States. This designation has been used for groups of humanitarian concern, including religious minorities from the former Soviet Union, Cuba, and Iran. Although the Administration has announced that it will create more places for Syrian refugees, we have not stated that religious minorities such as Christians will be considered for admission to the United States.
Religious minorities also have difficulty accessing humanitarian assistance due to the hostility and discrimination that they face from other citizens, including other refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has acknowledged that religious minorities avoid camps for this reason. As such, we encourage you to direct the U.S. Agency for International Development to ensure that religious minorities have sufficient access to the nearly $2 billion in aid that the United States has pledged for humanitarian relief efforts in Iraq and Syria.
Religious cleansing has reached historic levels in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the civil war in Syria in 2011, President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian rebels, and terrorist groups have targeted religious minorities for violence. In Iraq, Christians, Yazidis, and Mandeans have lived in fear of terrorist groups for the last decade. Now, the brutal Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) has openly vowed to end the existence of religious minorities in the Middle East. Accordingly, we urge you to act swiftly to help protect religious minorities in Iraq and Syria.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Senator Roger Wicker
Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Dan Coats
Senator Carl Levin
Senator James Inhofe
Senator John Thune
Senator Marco Rubio
Senator Rob Portman
Senator Mark Kirk
Wicker & Cochran Encourage Mississippi Youth Volunteers to Apply for “Spirit of Community” Honors
Nov. 4 Application Deadline Set for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program
October 2, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran today encouraged Mississippi middle school and high school students involved in volunteer and community service projects to apply for the 2015 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.
A Nov. 4 application deadline has been set for this program that recognizes the contributions of youth in grades 5-12 in their communities. The program is sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
“Service and volunteerism have helped transform so many communities and individual lives across Mississippi,” Wicker said. “The Spirit of Community awards seek to honor young Mississippians who selflessly dedicate their time and energy to care for those in need. I urge every student who is active in his or her community to apply for this upstanding program.”
“Mississippi is repeatedly recognized as one of the most charitable states in the nation. This spirit of giving includes the many hours of volunteer service performed by students throughout our state. These young people set worthwhile examples, and it is these acts that the Spirit of Community awards recognize on a national stage,” said Cochran, co-chairman of the Senate National Service Caucus.
Created in 1995, the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program honors middle and high school students from each state who demonstrate meaningful contributions to their communities through volunteer service. State Honorees will receive $1,000 awards, engraved silver medallions, and a trip to Washington, D.C., May 2-5, 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program.
Information and applications are available online at http://spirit.prudential.com or at www.nassp.org/spirit, or by calling toll free 877-525-8491. Applications must be completed by Nov. 4, and printed, signed and submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA or affiliate of HandsOn Network. An informational flyer on eligibility, deadlines and award details is available here: http://1.usa.gov/1uF1Ya9.
In 2014, the state was represented by Reagan Norwood, 18, of Biloxi and Jonah Holland, 15, of Belmont. Reagan, Mississippi's top high school volunteer, collected more than 1,000 pairs of shoes and socks for homeless people over the past four years through her project, “S.O.S. (Shoes or Socks) for the Homeless.” Holland, the state’s leading middle school level volunteer, led his 4-H club promoting greater use of reusable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills.
Wicker, Cardin, Mikulski Lead Bipartisan Senate Celebration of the Star-Spangled Banner on Its 200th Anniversary
Senate designates September 2014 through September 2015 as the ‘‘Year of National Thanksgiving for ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’’’
September 17, 2014
WASHINGTON – Led by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), the U.S. Senate added its voice to the national celebration of the 200th anniversary of our national anthem with unanimous passage of a resolution (S. 550) commemorating the writing, designation and symbolism of the song. The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 after seeing the American flag raised high in the air above Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, after the Americans withstood 25 hours of bombardment by the British Royal Navy. The song was officially designated as the American national anthem in 1931.
“’The Star-Spangled Banner’ was written to celebrate American courage at a time when the torch of liberty looked as if it were about to be extinguished … our national anthem has become an enduring symbol of ‘‘the land of the free and the home of the brave,’” the resolution declares.
In addition to drawing attention to the need to “educate young people and new citizens of the United States about the history and meaning of the national anthem,” the resolution also expresses the “sense of the Senate that ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ shall retain all current verses and remain our national anthem in perpetuity.”
“Our banner yet waves 200 years after Francis Scott Key wrote the words to our national anthem,” Senator Wicker said. “The lyrics have inspired generations of Americans and remind us of those who have fought to keep our country free. During this bicentennial year, we should take this opportunity to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy each day.”
“As both a Marylander and an American, I am overcome with pride when I listen to the lyrics of ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ Fort McHenry is one of our nation’s crown jewels and the Battle of Baltimore was one of the most significant historical events in our Nation’s history,” said Senator Cardin. “As we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our national anthem, a symbol of America’s steadfast patriotism, I want to thank all those who have fought for and continue to courageously protect the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave.’”
“Some call the War of 1812 the forgotten war. I believe it was the war that forged our nation. As the United States entered the war, we were a loose collection of states. As we emerged from it, we were on the path to becoming a true nation,” Senator Mikulski said. “During the Battle of Baltimore, the British bombed Fort McHenry for 25 consecutive hours. A young lawyer, Francis Scott Key, watched from a nearby ship where he was being held. When the smoke cleared that morning, he could still see the stars and stripes. He was so inspired that he wrote the lines of the song that later became our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Fort McHenry has seen history and it has made history. I am so proud of the role that Baltimore and Fort McHenry has played in the shaping of our nation and our National Anthem.”
“’The Star-Spangled Banner’ was written to celebrate American courage at a time when the torch of liberty looked as if it were about to be extinguished … our national anthem has become an enduring symbol of ‘‘the land of the free and the home of the brave,’” the resolution declares.
In addition to drawing attention to the need to “educate young people and new citizens of the United States about the history and meaning of the national anthem,” the resolution also expresses the “sense of the Senate that ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ shall retain all current verses and remain our national anthem in perpetuity.”
“Our banner yet waves 200 years after Francis Scott Key wrote the words to our national anthem,” Senator Wicker said. “The lyrics have inspired generations of Americans and remind us of those who have fought to keep our country free. During this bicentennial year, we should take this opportunity to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy each day.”
“As both a Marylander and an American, I am overcome with pride when I listen to the lyrics of ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’ Fort McHenry is one of our nation’s crown jewels and the Battle of Baltimore was one of the most significant historical events in our Nation’s history,” said Senator Cardin. “As we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our national anthem, a symbol of America’s steadfast patriotism, I want to thank all those who have fought for and continue to courageously protect the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave.’”
“Some call the War of 1812 the forgotten war. I believe it was the war that forged our nation. As the United States entered the war, we were a loose collection of states. As we emerged from it, we were on the path to becoming a true nation,” Senator Mikulski said. “During the Battle of Baltimore, the British bombed Fort McHenry for 25 consecutive hours. A young lawyer, Francis Scott Key, watched from a nearby ship where he was being held. When the smoke cleared that morning, he could still see the stars and stripes. He was so inspired that he wrote the lines of the song that later became our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. Fort McHenry has seen history and it has made history. I am so proud of the role that Baltimore and Fort McHenry has played in the shaping of our nation and our National Anthem.”
Wicker Honors Mendell Thompson as ‘Angel in Adoption’
September 16, 2014
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today presented Mendell Thompson the 2014 “Angels in Adoption” award for his commitment to adoption issues. Wicker nominated Mr. Thompson for the award.
“Mr. Thompson has helped make it financially possible for countless families in Mississippi and across the country to pursue adoptions,” said Wicker, a strong advocate for adoption issues. “His influential work in lending to churches and families provides a wonderful example for other credit unions and financial institutions to follow. I commend Mr. Thompson for his assistance in facilitating the adoption process of so many children. We must remain committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to grow up as part of a caring family.”
Mendell L. Thompson is President/CEO of America's Christian Credit Union in Glendora, California, a position he has held since 1986. Currently, Mr. Thompson serves as a Trustee on the Point Loma Nazarene University Board, serves as a Director on the PLNU Foundation Board, and as a Director of the NASCUS Credit Union Executive Council. Mr. Thompson graduated cum laude in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in History/Business from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, and is also a graduate of the Western CUNA Management School and Stanford University's Executive Development Program.
The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which sponsors the “Angels in Adoption” program, is a nonprofit organization that works to raise awareness about the needs of children without families and to remove policy barriers that hinder children from knowing the love and support a family provides.
